YabaTech’s Management Charged To Enrol More Students Through IT Expansion

By Ayo Ajayi

To maintain its leadership role in the Internet penetration in Nigeria, the Management of Yaba College of Technology (YabaTech), has been advised to expand the ICT infrastructure at both the Yaba and Epe campuses to accommodate more qualified students who desired to be educated, but are not enrol due to limited space in the institution.

The Management was also charged to foster more collaboration with individuals and corporate bodies for fast development in the college.

  A Chief Lecturer in the Department of Computer Technology at the College, Dr. Ajibike Itegboje gave the advice yesterday while delivering the institution’s 11^th Inaugural Lecture titled, “Even Though I Walk Through the Shadow of the Web– In an Ever-Evolving Cyber Space,” at the College campus.

Itegboje, a former Director, Management Information Systems in the College, also advocated the mandatory use of mobile devices for teaching activities at the College, most especially when courses are to be taught at a distance.

“This will promote distance learning and give better opportunities to financially disadvantaged students thus allowing them to study at their convenience and at an affordable rate. It will also expose staff and students to technologies, making them relevant in the 21^st Century and beyond.

 “This will drastically improve the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) while positioning the College as an institution, performing a social responsibility of educating more people,” she explained.

Itegboje enjoined the Management of the College to vigorously pursue the Google One Billion Connect Project, which she noted, would provide the benefit of free Wi-Fi in the densely populated area of the college such as the student hostel.

While appreciating the efforts of the Management, she pleaded with them to ensure a 24/7 power supply to the College Library in order to maximise the e-library and e-journal section.

In his remarks, the Rector of the College, Engineer Obafemi Omokungbe, assured the Lecturer and the College community that his administration would carry out some of the advice as they already form part of the College policy. He congratulated Dr. Itegboje and promised continuous support to the Inaugural Lecture.

The Inaugural Lecture, which was the first to be organised by the current administration, was attended by friends and family members of the Lecturer, College staff and students as well as well-wishers.